24/7 Emergency Service
Dealing With Strong Winter Storms | SERVPRO of East Lansing/Haslett
11/17/2023 (Permalink)
The winter season is almost upon us! SERVPRO of East Lansing/Haslett has your back with these helpful tips.
No matter how long you live in Michigan, winter storms can still throw you for a huge loop. Our weather can bring us anything from extremely cold temperatures to blizzard conditions, leaving roads wet and slippery and our homes at risk for damage.
Regardless of what the winter weather does bring, when you are prepared, you can prevent a disaster and keep your family safe. Getting your home ready means you can deal with any winter storm that comes your way.
Ahead of a big storm, you want to be prepared to stay indoors and off the road for 24 to 48 hours. Blizzard conditions, ice and freezing temps can make traveling dangerous until plows have been through and roads are salted again. A big enough storm could have you indoors for even longer.
Check your weather radio and make sure it is working well. Check on your other emergency supplies in order to be prepared for the potential that power could be knocked out long-term. You want to ensure you are ready to stay safe and warm.
Make sure you have plenty of flashlights, batteries and first-aid supplies. You should also gather up blankets, sleeping bags and warm layers in order to keep everyone cozy. If you have a fireplace, stock up on wood or take a look at your pilot light to make sure it is ready to go. Check your generator if you have one as well, and make sure you follow all the safety guidelines to prevent potential disasters.
Consider making alternate plans in case you need to leave home. Talk with your family and friends and determine the safest options for everyone. You can also keep an eye on local news stations to watch for warming stations that open up in order to warm up during the day.
Once the bulk of the storm has passed and things begin to clear up, head outside to assess your home. Even if you came through the storm without any damage, you will need to do a couple of things to ensure your home stays safe as the dust settles.
If you don’t already have one, get a roof rake so that you can light the snow load after a big storm. Not only does this decrease the possibility of a roof collapse from the weight of the snow, but it can also lower the possibility of ice dams. Snow can weigh nearly 20 pounds per cubic foot, so the more you can scrape off, the safer things will stay.
Once you have taken care of your roof, pay close attention to your gutters. Not only do you want to make sure they are blockage-free along the roofline, but you should also walk the perimeter of your home and make sure everything is still connected. Remove any ice that has formed at the gutter exits as well. Check the vents around your home to make sure they are free of blockages, too. Remove snow and ice so that you are not at risk for carbon monoxide buildup inside your home.
When you head out after the storm to assess your home, if you do find damage, make sure to call us right away. We are available around the clock and will get a team headed to your house in order to assess the situation and get things as secure as possible so that restorations can continue quickly.
Our goal is to get your home put back together exactly as it should be. We want you to be able to get back to enjoying the beauty that winters in Michigan can be.
Our team is always ready for anything! Contact us at SERVPRO of East Lansing/Haslett for a quick restoration after suffering damage from a winter storm.